Press Release
A Kenora man has been fined $250 and also was ordered to pay the $2,475 cost of putting out a fire he started near a wooded area in Kenora District.
William Renner pleaded guilty to dropping hot ash within 300 metres of a forest or woodland.
Court heard that on April 21, Renner removed burned debris from a camp property in Coyle Township and deposited it into Dogtooth Lake and on a small piece of land along the shore.
After returning to the camp, Renner and an associate noticed a fire where they had deposited the burned debris.
They immediately went back and tried to put out the fire. Renner then called fire emergency services.
The Longbow Lake Fire Department, as well as a FireRanger crew and air attack team from the Ministry of Natural Resources, were dispatched and brought the fire under control.
A ministry conservation officer went to the camp and noted that the ashes and burned material that remained still were hot to the touch.
Dry conditions at the time meant there was a high risk of a fire spreading.
Justice of the Peace Bruce Leaman heard the case Aug. 10 in Kenora.
The public is reminded that it is illegal to drop hot ash within 300 metres of a forest or woodland during fire season.
In some conditions, even the smallest spark can start a forest fire.
More information is available at ontario.ca/fireprevention
To report a natural resources violation, call toll-free 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) any time or contact your local MNR office during regular business hours.
You also can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
